História Mundial do Teatro - Aula 16 - Commedia Dell'art II

Summary

The transcript delves into the comedic tradition of Commedia dell'arte, exploring its characters, costumes, and improvisational nature. It highlights the iconic stock figures such as Harlequin, Brighella, and Pantaleone, each with distinct roles in comedic performance and social satire. The script also touches on the dynamics of class, power, and love, illustrating how these themes play out in the theater. Through a mix of humor, physicality, and improvisation, Commedia dell'arte continues to offer rich, timeless storytelling rooted in social commentary and absurdity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script references the traditional stock characters from Commedia dell'arte, focusing on their costumes, behaviors, and social dynamics.
• 😀 The character Arlecchino (Harlequin) is depicted as a mischievous, low-status servant, often punished for his antics, and typically wears colorful patchwork clothing.
• 😀 A key characteristic of Arlecchino’s costume is his multicolored diamond-shaped patches and a red cap, which highlights his status as a servant who often causes trouble.
• 😀 The script also mentions the character of Pantalone, portrayed as a wealthy but foolish and somewhat arrogant old man, who wears a red tight suit and a large mask with a prominent nose and moustache.
• 😀 The character Doctor (Dottore) is introduced as a pompous, talkative, and often nonsensical figure, wearing a black robe, large mask, and carrying a cane or a folder.
• 😀 The relationship between servants and masters, as well as social hierarchies, are a recurring theme in the script, with many of the characters navigating these power dynamics humorously.
• 😀 The script refers to the frequent use of improvisation in Commedia dell'arte performances, where actors portray exaggerated and often absurd characters in comedic situations.
• 😀 The concept of love and romantic entanglements is explored through exaggerated, comedic portrayals, often involving misunderstandings or absurd passions, particularly among young lovers.
• 😀 The performance incorporates elements of slapstick comedy, with characters being subjected to physical humor, such as hitting, falling, or other exaggerated reactions.
• 😀 There is an emphasis on costumes and physical appearance as indicators of social class, character role, and personality traits within the comedic context of the script.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script provided?

The script seems to explore traditional theatrical characters and roles, specifically from commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational theatre that originated in Italy. It describes various stock characters, their roles, and their relationships, while also touching on the structure of performances and their social significance.

What are some key characteristics of the character Arlecchino in the script?

Arlecchino is described as a character who is constantly being punished by his superiors, often for causing trouble. He wears a patchwork costume made of various colored fabrics, symbolizing his low status, and he carries a hat. His personality is mischievous, and he uses humor and trickery in his interactions.

How does the script differentiate between characters with high and low social status?

The script distinguishes between characters based on their attire and roles. Characters of lower social status wear ragged clothing, masks, and often play subservient roles, like Arlecchino. On the other hand, higher-status characters, such as doctors or merchants, wear more formal, structured clothing, such as capes, suits, or uniforms, signaling their authority and wealth.

What role does the character of Pantaleão play in the context of the script?

Pantaleão is depicted as a classic stock character in commedia dell'arte, typically portrayed as a wealthy but foolish old man. In the script, he wears a distinctive outfit with a red suit and a long black cape, and his exaggerated features, like a large nose and mustache, emphasize his comedic role. He often represents authority but is often mocked for his ignorance and pretensions.

What is the significance of improvisation in the performances described in the script?

Improvisation is highlighted as a central element of the performances in this theatrical tradition. The characters and actors are expected to improvise their lines and actions within a loose framework of the plot, allowing for spontaneous comedy and interaction with the audience.

How are the themes of love and social power explored in the script?

The script touches on the theme of love, especially in the context of characters like the lovers, who are often depicted as naïve and intense in their emotions. The characters' social status plays a crucial role in their relationships, with love often becoming a comedic or dramatic device used to highlight the contrast between different classes and their interactions.

What role does the character of the doctor play, according to the script?

The character of the doctor, portrayed as a legal professional or intellectual, often speaks nonsensically or provides empty wisdom. This character is typically used to satirize the intellectuals or those who hold positions of authority but are often portrayed as out of touch or foolish.

How does the script illustrate the concept of class struggle?

Class struggle is explored through the interactions between the characters, especially in how the lower-status characters, like servants and commoners, are treated by their superiors. The comedic elements often exaggerate these social dynamics, making the struggles and inequities more apparent and humorous.

Why is the character of the 'Burro' (donkey) significant in the script?

The 'Burro' represents a low-status character, likely a servant or fool, who is often subjected to ridicule and abuse by the higher-status characters. This character is symbolic of the working class and is used to provoke laughter through physical comedy and the absurdity of their situation.

What is the role of masks and costumes in commedia dell'arte, as described in the script?

Masks and costumes are vital in commedia dell'arte to immediately identify the character and their social status. For example, Arlecchino wears a patchwork suit to denote his low status, while high-status characters wear more refined attire. The masks help to exaggerate facial expressions and emphasize the comedic or dramatic nature of the character's role.